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Actual Innocence Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Office of Monique H. Worrell, State Attorney 9th Judicial Circuit of Florida

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Chief of Post Conviction - Assistant State Attorney

Orlando, FL · On-site

$95K/yr

Case Review & Litigation · Oversee the review of claims involving actual innocence, newly discovered evidence, Brady/Giglio issues, ineffective assistance of counsel, and forensic concerns. · ...

Yeshiva University

$180K - $185K/yr

The Senior Staff Attorney will reinvestigate actual innocence, working with a wide range of forensics and other experts and investigators. Our cases focus on factual innocence, newly discovered ...

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How much do actual innocence jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for actual innocence in the United States is $16.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $17.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by attorneys working on actual innocence cases?

Attorneys handling actual innocence cases often face significant challenges, such as locating and preserving old evidence, uncovering new witnesses, and navigating complex legal procedures to reopen closed cases. These cases typically require extensive investigation, collaboration with forensic experts, and persistence in the face of procedural hurdles. Additionally, attorneys must often work within tight deadlines and limited resources, making strong organizational and communication skills essential for success.

What is 'actual innocence' in the legal system?

'Actual innocence' refers to a legal claim that a person did not commit the crime for which they were convicted. This concept is often raised during appeals or post-conviction proceedings when new evidence, such as DNA testing, emerges that strongly suggests the convicted individual was not the perpetrator. Demonstrating actual innocence can lead to exoneration or a new trial, but it requires clear and convincing evidence. The standard for proving actual innocence varies by jurisdiction, but it is generally considered a high bar to meet.

What is the difference between Actual Innocence vs Forensic Scientist?

AspectActual InnocenceForensic Scientist
Required CredentialsLegal education, law degree, bar admissionScience degree, certification in forensic analysis
Work EnvironmentCourts, law offices, legal settingsCrime labs, forensic laboratories, law enforcement agencies
Industry UsageLegal system, criminal justiceLaw enforcement, criminal investigation

Actual Innocence involves legal work focused on exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals, requiring legal credentials. Forensic Scientists analyze physical evidence to support criminal investigations, requiring scientific expertise. While both roles contribute to justice, they differ in credentials, work environment, and industry focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Actual Innocence Investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Actual Innocence Investigator, you need a solid background in criminal justice, investigative techniques, and legal research, often supported by a degree in law, criminal justice, or a related field. Familiarity with case management systems, forensic tools, and legal databases like LexisNexis or Westlaw is essential. Strong attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication skills are vital for analyzing evidence and interviewing witnesses. These skills ensure thorough case evaluation and support the identification and exoneration of wrongfully convicted individuals.
Infographic showing various Actual Innocence job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% As Needed, 9% Temporary, 78% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,000 per year, or $16.8 per hour.
Assistant Attorney General, Special Investigations and Actual Innocence

Assistant Attorney General, Special Investigations and Actual Innocence

State of Virginia

Richmond, VA • On-site

$68K - $94K/yr

Other

Posted 16 days ago

State Of Virginia rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 50 rated states

Job description

Assistant Attorney General, Special Investigations and Actual Innocence

Apply now Job no: 5102330
Work type: Full-Time (Salaried)
Location: Richmond (City), Virginia, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Categories: Law / Judiciary

Title: Assistant Attorney General, Special Investigations and Actual Innocence

State Role Title: Assistant Attorney General

Hiring Range: Commensurate with Experience

Pay Band: UG

Agency: Attorney General & Dept of Law

Location: Office of the Attorney General

Agency Website: https://www.oag.state.va.us/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

This attorney will research and write briefs in the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court of Virginia in actual innocence cases. The attorney will conduct oral arguments, evidentiary hearings, assist with ongoing criminal investigations, and prosecutions as needed. This position reports to the Section Chief for Special Investigations and Actual Innocence and can be based out of the Richmond or Virginia Beach Office of the Virginia Attorney General. Some overnight travel will be required.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Demonstrated ability to litigate in all courts, particularly criminal prosecutions.
  • Must have excellent written and oral communication skills as evidenced by writing samples and references.
  • The ideal candidate will have a minimum of four (4) years of criminal law experience in trial or appellate courts.
  • Admittance to the Virginia Bar is required.

Special Instructions

Kindly utilize the Virginia Jobs website (https://www.jobs.virginia.gov) to submit your application. Applications sent to the Recruitment email address will not be reviewed for the hiring process. We do not entertain phone calls or emails inquiring about application status; instead, please login to the PageUp/RMS system for updates on your application's status.

Contact Information

Name: OAG Recruitment

Phone: 804-786-2071

Email: recruitment@oag.state.va.us

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Advertised: 23 Mar 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:

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